Filter with an annularly constructed filter medium

Abstract

A filter with a cylindrical filter cartridge in which the filter cartridge has a recess 23, through which functional parts, such as a water level sensor 25 and a water discharge tube 24, can be inserted. This filter may be used, for example, as a fuel filter in which the separated water can be removed from the housing through the functional parts. The functional parts are arranged on a support member 26 and extended through the recess 23, 23a in the filter cartridge 19, and can be accommodated in a space saving manner on the housing cover 12. As a result, the fuel filter can be accommodated particularly in cramped installation spaces in the engine compartment of an internal combustion engine.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a filter with an annular-shaped filter medium between end plates, with said filter medium being in the form of a filter cartridge, and mounted in a housing structure with a further functional part. In another aspect, the invention relates to a filter cartridge which is suitable for mounting in the filter of the invention.Such filters are known. They are used, in particular, for filtering liquids, such as for filtering fuel for a fuel-burning engine. A filter of this type is disclosed, for example, in Biere et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,565 (= EP 715,873). At the bottom of the housing, this filter has a discharge valve for water, which is contained in the fuel and which gradually separates and accumulates in the housing. A water sensor, which is likewise arranged at the bottom of the housing, determines the maximum allowable water level in the housing and signals the need to discharge the water from the fuel filter.However, arranging ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

A further functional part is provided in the filter, with said component assuming a particular function in the filter. This is attached to the housing structure, and in accordance with the invention, installed in a recess in the filter medium, with the recess being provided in the filter cartridge for this purpose. As a result, the other functional component can be flexibly arranged in the housing structure. In this manner, the installation conditions of the filter at the place of installation can be better accommodated.

A fuel filter for the filter cartridge with the recess advantageously comprises a housing cup and a housing cover, with the other functional part being fastened to the cover. In a hanging arrangement of the fuel filter with housing cup downwards, the fastening in the cover is possible only if the cartridge has a recess. Otherwise, it may not be possible to extend a water level sensor or a suction tube intake along the cartridge since no space is provided for this in the housing cup. However, the arrangement of the mentioned functional parts in the cover is not just to be given preference on account of the more favorable space conditions for installation, but also because all the complex receptacles for inlet, outlet, and the functional parts can be integrated into the cover. The housing cup consequently becomes a geometrically simple and easy-to-manufacture part, as a result of which the solution is more economical.

Problems solved by technology

However, arranging the discharge valve and water sensor at the bottom of the housing of the fuel filter presupposes that there is sufficient space available there to install these elements in the engine compartment of the fuel-burning engine.

The space conditions in motor vehicles are often greatly limited by other parts, after all.

The chances of a practical integration of the fuel filter into the fuel-burning engine are therefore restricted by the described geometry of the water discharge and of the sensor.

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